HARRISON, NJ – MARCH 24: Nicolo Zaniolo of Italy stands before the first half of the Ecuador vs Italy – international friendly match at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hungry/Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini’s starting XI for Italy’s Nations League opener against Belgium is shaping up, with Francesco Pio Esposito, Nicolo Zaniolo and Daniel Maldini expected to start.
The match kicks off at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST) on Friday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The group consists of France and Turkey, who will play another match that day.
Mancini leads Italy into new era
Mancini intended to go with a 4-3-3 formation, but some options were forced on him with Federico Di Marco, Brian Cristante and Marco Palestra missing through injury and Alessandro Bastoni suspended.
Inter forward Pio Esposito is still considered the favorite to lead the attack ahead of Moise Kean, but there are plenty of alternatives to complete the trio.
According to Corriere dello SportZaniolo on the right and Maldini on the left seem the most likely options, rather than Niccolò Cambiagi and Giacomo Raspadori.
It’s a big step for Zaniolo, who hasn’t been called up by the national team in two years.
The midfield appears to be locked in, with Alessandro Romano making his Italy debut in place of Samuel Ricci, surrounded by veteran defenders Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali.
Riccardo Calafiore can finally follow in Arsenal’s footsteps and play at left-back rather than centre-back, with Gianluca Mancini also guaranteed.
The only remaining doubt is between Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Michael Kayode at right back, with the Napoli veteran the clear favorite, while the fitness of Giorgio Scalvini in the center will largely depend on it.
If the Atalanta centre-back is not ready, then Diego Coppola can step in.
Italy likely (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Scalvini, Calafioli; Barrera, Romano, Tonali; Zaniolo, Pio Esposito, Maldini